Chicago in 1833
An idealized view of early Chicago, published almost a century later.
Out of stock
Description
This tranquil scene depicts the (then) small town of Chicago in 1833, when it was situated near America’s western frontier. A handful of modest log structures, including James Kinzie’s Wolf Point Tavern (note the sign) and Chicago’s first bridge, are depicted. Native Americans and white settlers are engaged in harmonious trade and apparently friendly conversation, despite the local tribes being forced to sign over their last remaining lands at the 1833 Treaty of Chicago. The heavily stylized view, recreated by a number of artists across different media, reflects a wistful historical perspective.
The engraved and hand colored aquatint print was created by Raoul Varin and published in Chicago by A. Ackerman & Sons, Inc. in 1931. Varin (1865-1943), a French watercolor artist, created a series of 30+ Chicago views depicting both contemporary and historical scenes. Signed by the artist in the lower right margin, with a print number (27/125?) faintly visible in the lower left.
Map Details
Publication Date: 1931
Author: Raoul Varin
Sheet Width (in): 26.1
Sheet Height (in): 21.25
Condition: B+
Condition Description: Tinted lithograph with ample margins, signed in the lower right. Moderate discoloration visible in the upper margin and the color has flaked in a few areas in the upper third of the sheet (see scan). The most noticeable spots are in the sky in the center. Good condition overall.
Out of stock